The New Orleans Pelicans taking on the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference battle at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
New Orleans meets Golden State for the third time this season, and the Pelicans shoot for their third straight victory over the Warriors.
Injury Updates New Orleans Pelicans – Golden State Warriors
On Friday night, the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors meet in San Francisco. Both teams are fighting for a spot in the Western Conference playoffs while waiting for the return of injured All-Stars.
Despite playing at a site at which the Warriors have gone 26-7 this season, the Pelicans will enjoy a scheduling advantage over Golden State for the third consecutive time this season.
In November, New Orleans swept Golden State at home, despite the Warriors being on the second night of a road back-to-back both times. Each time, the Pelicans had the day off before the game, including Thursday when the Warriors were beating the Clippers on the road by a score of 115-91.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr chose to rest Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green in both previous meetings.
After a thrilling comeback victory against the Clippers, the Warriors travel to New Orleans for their most recent game.
In addition to missing Green (knee) on the second night of a back-to-back last week, the Warriors are likely to be without Curry (knee) and Wiggins (personal). Last week, Thompson played both ends of a back-to-back and went off for 42 points and 12 threes in a 116-101 home victory over the Houston Rockets.
Reportedly, Curry could return as soon as Sunday, when Golden State travels to take on the Los Angeles Lakers, after missing the previous 10 games due to a partially torn ligament in his left leg.
Warriors injuries:
| PLAYER | UPDATED | INJURY | STATUS |
| Andrew Wiggins | Wed, Mar 1 | Personal | Expected to be out until at least Mar 3 |
| Stephen Curry | Wed, Mar 1 | Lower Leg | Expected to be out until at least Mar 5 |
| Andre Iguodala | Wed, Mar 1 | Hip | Expected to be out until at least Mar 3 |
| Gary Payton II | Mon, Feb 13 | Abdomen | Expected to be out until at least Mar 24 |
| Ryan Rollins | Mon, Feb 6 | Foot | Out for the season |
When the Warriors beat the Clippers, the New Orleans Pelicans were able to watch it from their hotel rooms in San Francisco. After a 121-110 victory over Portland the night before, New Orleans arrived in town via plane on Thursday.
Although it was the Pelicans’ eighth win in 26 games since Zion Williamson’s (hamstring) last appearance on January 2, it was their first since the All-Star forward returned on Jan. 2. After the star player’s scheduled checkup next week in New Orleans, the team is hopeful that he will be ready to return to the court.
The homecoming night of CJ McCollum was spoiled by Brandon Ingram’s 40-point performance against the Trail Blazers. McCollum contributed with 24 points, seven boards, and seven dimes.
Even though New Orleans won without Jose Alvarado (tibia) and Larry Nance Jr. (ankle), neither player is expected back until the middle of the month.
Willie Green, coach of the Pelicans, knows he needs similar production from Ingram if his team is to maintain its slim playoff hopes in the Western Conference.
On March 28 in San Francisco, the Warriors and Pelicans will play their final regular season game.
Pelicans injuries:
| PLAYER | UPDATED | INJURY | STATUS |
| Jonas Valanciunas | Thu, Mar 2 | Calf | Game Time Decision |
| Jose Alvarado | Wed, Mar 1 | Leg | Expected to be out until at least Mar 23 |
| Larry Nance Jr. | Tue, Feb 28 | Ankle | Expected to be out until at least Mar 17 |
| Zion Williamson | Sun, Feb 12 | Hamstring | Expected to be out until at least Mar 14 |
| E.J. Liddell | Sun, Aug 7 | Knee | Expected to be out until at least Apr 1 |
